BCC Announces New Faculty/Staff, Promotions, Title Changes

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of four faculty/staff members, three promotions and two title changes. 
 
New Faculty/Staff
 
Jacqueline Bianco joins BCC as Assistant Professor - Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Originally from Trumbull, CT, she holds a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology / athletic training from the University of New Hampshire and a doctorate in physical therapy from Sacred Heart University. Bianco was a competitive gymnast in her youth, which led her to a career as a physical therapist. With 13 years of clinical experience, she was previously a physical therapist and personal trainer for Timeless Training and Gymfest Gymnastics in Pittsfield. She has lived in the Berkshires since 2011 and enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old daughter, working out, traveling to the beach and crocheting.
 
Caleb Kendig joins BCC as Maintainer I. A resident of Dalton, he is a graduate of McCann Technical school, where he studied information technology. He completed about two years of core classes and criminal justice classes at BCC before enrolling at Westfield State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in history. Throughout high school and the two years he was at BCC, he worked for BJs Wholesale Club as a cart pusher and cashier. After college, he worked security at a summer camp and then at BCC as contracted security before the Maintainer I opportunity arose. Hobbies include video games, board games, anime, TV and movies, and Dungeons and Dragons.
 
Sarah Ryndak joins BCC as Employee Engagement & Talent Development Specialist. With 16 years of experience in higher education administration at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Human Resources Department. Most recently, she served as the administrative director of the Collaborative Arts & Open Arts Program, where her responsibilities included oversight for human resources and compliance. At BCC, Sarah will focus on employee engagement and training while contributing to all areas of HR. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree in higher education from New York University’s Steinhardt School. Ryndak resides in Great Barrington with her husband and two daughters.
 
Rebecca Wehry joins BCC as Executive Director of Development. She brings extensive experience from her role as director of development at Buxton School, where she managed responsibilities similar to those she will take on at BCC. Previously, she served as associate director of development at Simon’s Rock for almost four years, including eight months as interim director. Wehry’s career began at MASS MoCA, where she spent 10 years in various roles, including manager of special events, partnerships and external affairs. She later joined Hancock Shaker Village. A Berkshire County native and MCLA graduate, Wehry also completed an undergraduate internship with Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, going on adventures with her husband and three stepchildren, and caring for their two dogs and flock of chickens.
 
 
Promotions
 
Jason Dion is now Interim Director of Facilities. Previously, he was Plumber and Steamfitter II. He has been with BCC since May 2024.
 
Kaila Mullaney is now Academic Affairs Division Manager. She joined BCC in September 2021 as Administrative Assistant for the Vice President and Office of Academic Affairs.
 
Erin Seagrave is now Executive Director of Academic Operations, Planning and Assessment. She was previously Director of Academic Operations. She has been with BCC since July 2022.
 
 
Title changes
 
Julia Curletti is now Division Manager, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Previously, she was Interim Division Manager, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. She has been with BCC since January 2017.               
 
Craig Ptak is now Recreation Facilities Supervisor III. Previously, he was Recreation Facilities Supervisor II. He joined BCC in March 2014.                

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Pittsfield Council OKs Berkshire Carousel Committee

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has voted to create a committee that handles the Berkshire Carousel offer — but not without debate on procedural details.

Last month, a conveyance and donation of the $267,000 property owned by James Shulman came to the council.  A 2025 operational model and budget put forward by the donors costs about $61,000 annually and brings in the same amount of money, with a $25,000 income from rides alone if they cost one dollar.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren wanted more intel before the committee's first meeting in January, specifically the condition of any state grants received for the project, a reasonable list of operations, and an informal quote for the cost of removal.

"Everybody wants to do this. There's no doubt about it," Warren said. "The issue is whether it's feasible and whether we have a financial wherewithal to do that."

Ultimately, his motion to amend the referral with these conditions did not pass. Councilors agreed that there are a lot of red flags in the contract but trust that they will be addressed in the process.

"I thought I was clear of setting up a committee to figure out how to save the carousel, not who was going to own it, what the contract was," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"Because, quite frankly, I'll be blunt, the members of the Finance Committee punted it back to me without saying, 'Here are the conditions that we don't like.'"

Warren thought the committee would assist in negotiations with Shulman, who does not live in the area. He explained, "I don't want to ask the committee. I want us to know and these are things we can find out."

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